Emphysema at 32?

[mpongo]

Hi, I'm a 32 years old male. I felt shortness of breath 4 weeks ago, and quit smoking since then. I went to ER first and doctor said anxiety migth be the cause.

Few days later I've seen another doctor (a very good pulmonary specialist) to make sure. He checked my chest x-ray (taken at ER previously), said there's nothing serious to worry about, advised me to quit smoking and mentioned 'a start or beginning emphysema' (don't remember the exact words).

I still feel a little shortness of breath, especially at nights. I've read on forums, that this also happens to many people as a result of quitting smoking (along with some other withdrawal symptoms).

The thing is I don't feel shortness of breath at all when I exercise or walk/run outside. Contrary I feel a lot better if I exercise when I feel SOB. It's getting better and better each day from the time I quit 4 weeks ago.

[pete3867]

yeah i know what you mean about the mint candy, in my opinion , I think you should write down how you feel at say 10 tonight and then 10 tommorow morning and then contrast that to say a month from now , did you smoke heavily ?

[mpongo]

Thanks Pete, my breathing is getting better I guess.

When I breathe, I'm feeling that an obstacle on the way to my lungs that has been there before, is removed now! Every breathe feels so fresh like I'm eating a mint candy, if you know what I mean. Also as if I'm feeling the parts of my lungs when air travels along.

At the same time, I'm having a constant dizziness for two days. My resting heart beat goes up to 80 (rarely 100) sometimes, which is normally between 60-75. Kind of worried about these two symptoms.

[pete3867]

good man steps (or woman) the sort of art i do is here www.contemporarypaint.co.uk its my website , but that is really only a very small proportion of it I do mostly painting but also my digital art is very popular anfd I do lots of photography ..i am doing a masters degree at the moment having finished a B.A last year ...I wish you every success in making your jewlery  it will be an excellent way to keep positive ..I love my art it is the single biggest driving force in my life (apart from my good lady)

to mpongo I too quit smoking last week and even tho I was only having like one or 2 spliffs a week I can feel the difference , and by that I dont mean all good , at first (I know cos Ive quit a few times) it has the effect of opening new bits of lung and because they are a bit knackered they take time to get working properly . I think it takes about 4-6 weeks before you start to really feel an improvement,

[Steps]

I am having trouble sleeping too.  I read quitting smoking can do that. You have to go through feeling crappy from quitting. the nurse told me my lungs will get better from not smoking. We have to give it time. I am going to drink some water and keep super hydrated.

[Steps]

What kind of art do you do?  I am learning to make jewelry. Beaded stuff and hope to have a little on line business soon. Let me know.

[mpongo]

Today, I felt almost no problems with my breathing.

I was a little groggy throughout the day, which might be because of many days passed with not enough sleep due to the SOB. Else it could be another withdrawal effect of quitting smoking.

I'm drinking enourmous amounts of grape juice, orange juice and water. Eating dry fruits and such to keep myself busy.